CN112135995A

CN112135995A - Fluid connector with resealable membrane valve

Info

Publication number: CN112135995A
Application number: CN201880093568.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: B.C.弗雷蒙特
Original assignee: Oetik New York Co ltd
Current assignee: Oetik New York Co ltd; Oetiker NY Inc
Priority date: 2018-06-25
Filing date: 2018-06-25
Publication date: 2020-12-25
Also published as: WO2020005198A1; JP2021531437A; KR102549731B1; CA3099465C; US11598466B2; BR112020022458A2; EP3810968A1; US20210278023A1; KR20210021560A; RU2770627C1; MX2020012753A; CA3099465A1

Abstract

An O-ring membrane valve (20) is provided, the O-ring membrane valve (20) including an O-ring (22) and a resealable membrane (24) connected to the O-ring, the resealable membrane including a first surface, a second surface, and a slit extending from the first surface to the second surface. The O-ring membrane valve may be assembled with a fluid connector that includes a body (40) having a first through bore and a first groove (50) circumferentially disposed within the first through bore.

Description

Fluid connector with resealable membrane valve

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a fluid connector, and more particularly, to a fluid connector having a resealable membrane valve.

Background

Fluid connectors are an indispensable component for many applications, especially for automotive applications. Since automotive systems are made up of various components, such as radiators, transmissions and engines, fluid must be able to flow not only within each component, but also between components. One example of fluid flowing between components is transmission fluid that flows from the transmission to an oil cooler of the transmission to reduce the temperature of the transmission fluid. The fluid moves between the components primarily through flexible or rigid hoses that are connected to each component through fluid connectors. Such fluid connectors typically include a retaining clip or snap ring carried on the fluid connector that is adapted to snap behind a raised shoulder of the tube end form when the tube end form is fully inserted into the fluid connector. Additionally, the fluid connectors typically include a membrane that retains fluid within the components (e.g., prevents transmission fluid from escaping the transmission). The membrane is pierced when the tube end form is inserted into the fluid connector and fluid is allowed to flow into the tube end form. However, the film does not reseal when the tube end form is removed. Similarly, grease plugs do not allow for quick and easy resealing of their mounting holes. Instead, the grease plugs need to be completely removed from the component to which they are mounted to allow grease to flow into and out of the component.

Accordingly, there has been a long felt need for a fluid connector having a resealable membrane that is resealable when the tube end form is removed from the fluid connector.

Disclosure of Invention

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided an O-ring membrane valve comprising an O-ring and a resealable membrane connected to the O-ring, the resealable membrane comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a slit extending from the first surface to the second surface.

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a fluid connector comprising: a body including a first through-hole and a first groove circumferentially arranged within the first through-hole; and an O-ring membrane valve disposed within the first groove, the O-ring membrane valve including an O-ring and a resealable membrane connected to the O-ring, the resealable membrane having a slit.

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a sealing membrane valve comprising a seal and a resealable membrane connected to the seal, the resealable membrane comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a slit extending from the first surface to the second surface.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the disclosure with reference to the drawings and appended claims.

Drawings

Embodiments are disclosed herein by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid connector;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the fluid connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connector taken generally along line 3-3 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fluid connector with a tube end form engaged therein;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the fluid connector with the tube end form shown in FIG. 4 with the body removed;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connector with the tube end form taken generally along line 6-6 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the O-ring membrane valve shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7B is a side elevational view of the O-ring membrane valve shown in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a front elevational view of the O-ring membrane valve shown in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of the O-ring membrane valve taken generally along line 7D-7D in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an O-ring membrane valve;

FIG. 8B is a side elevational view of the O-ring membrane valve shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a front elevational view of the O-ring membrane valve shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view of the O-ring membrane valve taken generally along line 8D-8D in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an O-ring membrane valve;

FIG. 9B is a side elevational view of the O-ring membrane valve shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a front elevational view of the O-ring membrane valve shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view of the O-ring membrane valve taken generally along line 9D-9D in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an O-ring membrane valve;

FIG. 10B is a side elevational view of the O-ring membrane valve shown in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C is a front elevational view of the O-ring membrane valve shown in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view of the O-ring membrane valve taken generally along line 10D-10D in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a U-cup membrane valve;

FIG. 11B is a side elevational view of the U-cup membrane valve shown in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is a front elevational view of the U-cup membrane valve shown in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11D is a cross-sectional view of the U-cup membrane valve taken generally along line 11D-11D in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the probe;

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the probe shown in FIG. 12 when not engaged with a fluid connector;

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the probe and fluid connector portions shown in FIG. 13A partially engaged; and

fig. 13C is a cross-sectional view of the probe and fluid connector shown in fig. 13A fully engaged.

Detailed Description

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like reference numbers in different figures identify identical or functionally similar structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not to be limited to the disclosed aspects.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, and modifications described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be appreciated that any method, device, or material similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the exemplary embodiments.

It should be understood that the term "generally" is synonymous with "nearly", "very close", "about", "approximately", "left-right", "close", "near", "substantially", "near", "adjacent", etc., and that these terms may be used interchangeably in the specification and claims. It should be understood that the term "similar" is synonymous with the terms "near," "proximate," "adjacent," "near," "proximate," "adjoining," and the like, and these terms may be used interchangeably in the specification and claims. The term "approximately" is intended to mean a value within ten percent of a stated value.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid connector 10. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the fluid connector 10. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connector 10 taken generally along line 3-3 in fig. 1. The fluid connector 10 generally includes an O-ring membrane valve 20, a body 40, and a snap ring 70. The following description should be read with reference to fig. 1-3.

The O-ring membrane valve 20 includes an O-ring 22 and a membrane 24. The O-ring 22 is a circular mechanical washer; which is an elastomeric ring having a circular cross-section designed to seat in groove 50 and be compressed between body 40 and tube end form 80 during assembly, as discussed in more detail below. However, it should be understood that the O-ring 22 may be envisioned as a seal having any geometry suitable for achieving a fluid seal with the body 40, such as oval, square, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, and the like. Thus, by definition, the O-ring 22 need not be an "O-ring," but may be an edge seal to which the membrane 24 is attached. A membrane 24 extends radially inward from the O-ring 22. The membrane 24 is generally conical and includes an apex 26. The film 24 also includes a slit 28 disposed at the apex 26. In some embodiments, the slit 28 is linear and capable of sealing. In some embodiments, the slits 28 are not linear. In some embodiments, the film 24 includes a plurality of slits.

Body 40 includes a through bore 41 extending from end 42 to end 44, a radially inward surface 46, a radially inward surface 48, a groove 50, a radially outward surface 52, a hex head 58, and a radially outward surface 60. The body 40 is arranged to be connected to a fluid-filled component. For example, the body 40 may be connected to the transmission by a radially outward surface 60, which radially outward surface 60 may include external threads. The body 40 may be threaded into a threaded bore of the transmission (e.g., using a wrench) through the hex head 58, and then the hex head 58 may be filled with transmission oil. Another component in which the fluid connector 10 (particularly the main body 40) may be mounted is an engine block. In this embodiment, the fluid connector 10 (specifically the O-ring membrane valve 20) retains engine oil in the engine block. It should be understood that the fluid connector 10 may be used in various other components, assemblies, and subassemblies that contain fluids. The O-ring membrane valve 20 is disposed in the body 40. Specifically, the O-ring 22 is disposed in the groove 50. The membrane 24 extends in an axial direction AD1 toward the end 42. When the body 50 is secured to a fluid-filled component (e.g., a transmission filled with transmission oil), fluid pressure within the component exerts a force F on the surface 24B, as shown in fig. 3. The force F causes the slit 28 to seal, thereby preventing fluid flow through the membrane 24 in the axial direction AD 2.

The snap ring 70 is disposed in the groove 54 of the body 40. Snap ring 70 is generally a retaining ring that includes one or more radially inwardly extending protrusions. In the illustrated embodiment, the snap ring 70 includes protrusions 72A-C. The projections 72A-C extend radially inwardly through the apertures 56A-C in the recess 54, respectively. The projections 72A-C are arranged to engage with the shoulder 87, in particular with the shoulder surface 88.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the fluid connector 10 with a tube end form 80 engaged therein. Fig. 5 is a partial perspective view of the fluid connector 10 and tube end form 80 shown in fig. 4 with the body 40 removed. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connector 10 with the tube end form 80 taken generally along line 6-6 in figure 4. The following description should be read with reference to fig. 4-6.

Tube end form 80 includes end 82, portion 83, shoulder 87, portion 89, end 94, and through bore 96. A through bore 96 extends through the tube end form 80 from the end 82 to the end 94. The portion 83 is disposed between the end 82 and the shoulder 87 and includes a radially outward surface 84. The radially outward surface 84 includes a substantially constant diameter. A shoulder 87 is disposed between the portion 83 and the portion 89 and includes a radially outward surface 86. The radially outward surface 86 is straight conical in shape and increases in diameter in the axial direction AD 2. As shown, the radially outward surface 86 may have a non-tapered portion adjacent the groove 92. The portion 89 is disposed between the shoulder 87 and the end 94 and includes a radially outward surface 90. The radially outward surface 90 includes a substantially constant diameter. A groove 92 is disposed axially between the shoulder 87 and the radially outward surface 90. Shoulder 87 is connected to groove 92 by shoulder surface 88. The tube end form 80 is arranged to be inserted into the fluid connector 10, specifically first with the end 82. The tube end form 80, and particularly the shoulder 87, may take the form of a straight bevel (i.e., a constant straight bevel) or a variable diameter bevel profile and be inserted into the fluid connector 10 until the snap ring 70 snaps over the shoulder 87. It should be understood that the tube end form 80 may be any conventional tube end form that includes a beveled profile extending radially outward and axially over the outer surface of the tube end form to displace the snap ring or wire clamp within the fluid connector to secure the tube end form within the fluid connector.

As shown, the tube end form 80 is inserted into the fluid connector 10. As tube end form 80 is displaced in axial direction AD1 and end 82 contacts film 24 (specifically surface 24A), end 82 displaces film 24 in radial direction RD1 (see fig. 5 and 6). Displacement of the membrane 24 in the radial direction RD1 allows fluid within the component (e.g., transmission oil within the transmission) to flow axially AD1 out of the component and into the tube end form 80. Specifically, insertion of the tube end form 80 within the fluid connector 10 opens the slit 28. Additionally, the radially outward surface 84 elastically deforms the O-ring 22 in a radial direction RD1 as the portion 83 engages the O-ring membrane valve 20. Specifically, O-ring 22 is compressed between groove 50 and radially outward surface 84, thereby forming a fluid-tight seal between body 40 and tube end form 80. This is perhaps the most important feature of the present invention, namely the combination of an O-ring (used as a gasket) having a circular or annular cross-section and a resealable membrane (allowing for insertion and removal of tube end formers and other fill/drain probes), as will be discussed in more detail with reference to fig. 8-9C.

In some embodiments, insertion of the tube end molding 80 plastically deforms the film 24. This means that after the tube end form 80 has been fully inserted and connected to the fluid connector 10, the film 24 is plastically deformed so that it cannot be resealed when the tube end form 80 is removed. In some embodiments, the insertion of the tube end molding 80 does not plastically deform the film 24. The tube end form 80 is designed such that the elastic deformation of the film 24 is as small as possible so that the film 24 can be resealed after the tube end form 80 is removed. One of ordinary skill in the art will be able to envision such a tube end form that is similar in design to the probe 110 shown in fig. 8-9C.

As shown in fig. 6, the tube end form 80 is fully engaged in the fluid connector 10. The projections 72A-C engage in the grooves 92, the radially outward surface 86 is disposed adjacent the radially inward surface 48, the O-ring 22 achieves a fluid seal between the body 40 and the tube end form 80, and the membrane 40 is displaced about the radially outward surface 40.

Fig. 7A is a perspective view of the O-ring membrane valve 20. Fig. 7B is a side elevational view of the O-ring membrane valve 20. Fig. 7C is a front elevational view of the O-ring membrane valve 20. FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of the O-ring membrane valve 20 taken generally along the line 7D-7D in FIG. 7A. The following description should be read with reference to fig. 7A-7D.

As previously described, the O-ring membrane valve 20 includes an O-ring 22 and a membrane 24. The O-ring 22 comprises a circular or annular cross-sectional geometry and serves as a mechanical gasket. O-ring 22 is arranged to seat in groove 50 and be compressed between body 40 and tube end form 80 during assembly, forming a seal at the interface. The membrane 24 includes a surface 24A that is exposed to the fluid of the component and a surface 24B that is disposed in contact with the tube end form 80 or probe 110 (discussed in more detail with reference to fig. 8-9C). The membrane 24 is generally conical and further includes an apex 26 and a slit 28. The slit 28 is generally an aperture at the apex 26 of the membrane 24 and is designed to seal against a force F generated by fluid pressure applied to the surface 24A. In some embodiments, the O-ring membrane valve 20 comprises an elastomer. However, it should be understood that the O-ring membrane valve 20 may comprise any material suitable for forming a seal between the body 40 and the tube end form 80 and also retaining fluid within the components, as previously described. For example, the O-ring membrane valve 20 may comprise fluorocarbon, ethylene acrylate rubber (AEM), silicon, Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), or any other suitable elastically deformable material.

Fig. 8A is a perspective view of the O-ring membrane valve 220. Fig. 8B is a side elevational view of the O-ring membrane valve 220. Fig. 8C is a front elevational view of the O-ring membrane valve 220. FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view of the O-ring membrane valve 220 taken generally along line 8D-8D in FIG. 8A. The O-ring membrane valve 220 includes an O-ring 222 and a membrane 224. O-ring 222 is a circular mechanical washer; it is an elastomeric ring having a circular cross-section designed to seat in the groove 50 and be compressed between the body 40 and the tube end form 80 during assembly. A membrane 224 extends radially inward from O-ring 222. Membrane 224 is generally formed in a corrugated configuration (i.e., a folded expandable and collapsible design that includes one or more conical regions) and includes an apex 226. The membrane 224 may, for example, have tapered portions 225A-C that hold the slit 328 closed when the outer diameter of the O-ring 222 is compressed when the O-ring membrane valve 220 is assembled in the body 40. Membrane 224 also includes a slit 228 disposed at apex 226. In some embodiments, the slit 228 is linear and capable of sealing. In some embodiments, the slits 228 are not linear. In some embodiments, membrane 224 includes a plurality of slits.

Fig. 9A is a perspective view of the O-ring membrane valve 320. Fig. 9B is a side elevational view of the O-ring membrane valve 320. Fig. 9C is a front elevational view of the O-ring membrane valve 320. Figure 9D is a cross-sectional view of the O-ring membrane valve 320 taken generally along the line 9D-9D in figure 9A. The O-ring membrane valve 320 includes an O-ring 322 and a membrane 324. O-ring 322 is a circular mechanical washer; it is an elastomeric ring having a circular cross-section designed to seat in the groove 50 and be compressed between the body 40 and the tube end form 80 during assembly. A membrane 324 extends radially inward from the O-ring 322. The film 324 is generally formed in the shape of a conical tear drop (i.e., a cone with an exponential (non-linear) curvature) and includes an apex 326. The membrane 324 also includes a slit 328 disposed at the apex 326. In some embodiments, the slit 328 is linear and capable of sealing. In some embodiments, the slits 328 are not linear. In some embodiments, membrane 324 includes a plurality of slits.

Figure 10A is a perspective view of the O-ring membrane valve 420. Figure 10B is a side elevational view of the O-ring membrane valve 420. Figure 10C is a front elevational view of the O-ring membrane valve 420. Figure 10D is a cross-sectional view of the O-ring membrane valve 420 taken generally along the line 10D-10D in figure 10A. The O-ring membrane valve 420 includes an O-ring 422 and a membrane 424. O-ring 422 is a circular mechanical washer; it is an elastomeric ring having a circular cross-section designed to seat in the groove 50 and be compressed between the body 40 and the tube end form 80 during assembly. A membrane 424 extends radially inward from the O-ring 422. The membrane 424 is generally dome-shaped and includes an apex 426. The membrane 424 also includes a slit 428 disposed at the apex 426. In some embodiments, the slit 428 is linear and capable of sealing. In some embodiments, the slits 428 are not linear. In some embodiments, membrane 424 includes a plurality of slits.

Figure 11A is a perspective view of the U-cup membrane valve 520. FIG. 11B is a side elevational view of the U-cup membrane valve 520. Figure 11C is a front elevational view of the U-cup membrane valve 520. FIG. 11D is a cross-sectional view of the U-cup membrane valve 520 taken generally along line 11D-11D in FIG. 11A. The U-cup membrane valve 520 includes a U-cup 522 and a membrane 524. The U-shaped cup 522 is a mechanical washer in the shape of a groove; it is an elastomeric ring having a channel-shaped cross-section designed to seat in groove 50 and be compressed between body 40 and tube end form 80 during assembly. A membrane 524 extends radially inwardly from the U-shaped cup 522. The film 524 is generally formed in the shape of a conical tear drop (i.e., a cone with exponential (non-linear) curvature) and includes an apex 526. Membrane 524 also includes a slit 528 disposed at apex 526. In some embodiments, the slit 528 is linear and capable of sealing. In some embodiments, the slits 528 are not linear. In some embodiments, membrane 524 includes a plurality of slits. In some embodiments, the sealing member may have an "X-shaped" cross-section rather than a U-shaped cup cross-section. In some embodiments, the sealing member may have a "K-shaped" cross-section rather than a U-shaped cup cross-section.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the probe 110. Fig. 13A is a cross-sectional view of probe 110 when not engaged with fluid connector 10. Fig. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the probe 110 and fluid connector 10 as shown in fig. 13A partially engaged. Fig. 13C is a cross-sectional view of the probe 110 and fluid connector 110 as shown in fig. 13A when fully engaged. The following description should be read with reference to fig. 12-13C.

The probe 110 is used to fill and/or evacuate a component to which the fluid connector 10 is mounted. The probe 110 generally includes an end 112, a radially outward surface 114, a radially outward surface 116, a surface 118, a radially outward surface 120, an end 122, and a through-hole 124. A through bore 124 extends from end 122 to end 112. The radially outward surface 114 is generally frustoconical. The end 112 and the radially outward surface 114 are disposed in contact with the membrane 24, and specifically, the surface 24B. The radially outward surface 114 is arranged to elastically displace the membrane 24, thereby opening the slit 28 to allow pumping of fluid into the component in the axial direction AD1 (i.e., for filling the component), or to allow release of fluid from the component in the axial direction AD2 (i.e., for emptying the component).

As shown in fig. 13A, the slit 28 is completely closed before the probe 110 engages the membrane 24, thereby forming a seal. In fig. 13B, the probe 110 is partially bonded to the membrane 24. As shown, the end 112 and/or the radially outward surface 114 abut the surface 24B to expand the slit 28, thereby allowing fluid to be pumped into the component in the axial direction AD1 (i.e., to fill the component) or released from the component in the axial direction AD2 (i.e., to empty the component) at a rate less than the maximum flow rate. In fig. 13C, the probe 110 is fully engaged with the fluid connector 10. Surface 118 abuts end 44, and end 112 and/or radially outward surface 114 abuts surface 24B to fully expand slit 28, thereby allowing fluid to be pumped into the component in axial direction AD1 (i.e., to fill the component) at a maximum flow rate, or to be released from the component in axial direction AD2 (i.e., to empty the component).

The primary purpose of the O-ring membrane valve 20 is to retain fluid within the assembly or component (e.g., transmission) to which the fluid connector 10 is mounted. This allows the manufacturer to transport the assembly or component pre-charged with fluid (e.g., transmission oil) to the assembly plant, or allows the assembly plant to pre-charge the sub-assembly prior to installation into a vehicle. The slit-valve design of the O-ring membrane valve 20 allows an assembly plant to fill the subassembly through the fluid connector 10 and the membrane 24 (specifically the slit 28) using the probe 110, while still allowing the membrane 24 to reseal after filling to contain the fluid. Many times, subassembly manufacturers or assembly plants desire leak testing of subassemblies prior to their final assembly onto a vehicle. The slit-valve design of the present invention also allows them to pressurize the system using a fill/drain probe for leak testing of the system, while the fill allows the membrane to reseal to contain the fluid after testing.

It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure described above, as well as other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Reference numerals

10 fluid connector

20O-ring membrane valve

22O-ring

24 film

24A surface

24B surface

26 vertex

28 slit

40 main body

41 through hole

42 end of the pipe

44 end part

46 radially inward surface

48 radially inward surface

50 groove

52 radially outward surface

54 groove

56A hole

56B hole

56C hole

58 hexagonal head

60 radially outward surface

70 snap ring

72A projection

72B projection

72C projection

80 pipe end forming

82 end portion

Portion 83

84 radially outward surface

86 radially outward surface

87 shoulder part

88 shoulder surface

89 part (B)

90 radially outward surface

92 groove

94 end part

96 through hole

110 probe

112 end portion

114 radially outward surface

116 radially outward surface

118 surface

120 radially outward surface

122 end of the tube

124 through hole

210 fluid connector

220O-ring membrane valve

222O-ring

224 film

224A surface

224B surface

225A taper portion

225B taper portion

225C taper portion

226 vertex

228 slit

310 fluid connector

320O-ring membrane valve

322O-ring

324 film

324A surface

324B surface

326 vertex

328 slit

410 fluid connector

420O-ring membrane valve

422O-shaped ring

424 film

424A surface

424B surface

426 vertex

428 slit

510 fluid connector

520U-shaped cup membrane valve

522U-shaped cup

524 film

524A surface

524B surface

526 vertex

528 slit

Force F

AD1 axial

AD2 axial

RD1 radial

RD2 radial

Claims

1. An O-ring membrane valve comprising:

an O-ring; and

a resealable membrane connected to the O-ring, the resealable membrane comprising:

a first surface;

a second surface; and

a slit extending from the first surface to the second surface.

2. The O-ring membrane valve of claim 1 wherein said resealable membrane is conical and includes an apex.

3. The O-ring membrane valve of claim 2 wherein said slit is at least partially disposed on an apex.

4. The O-ring membrane valve of claim 1 wherein said O-ring and said resealable membrane comprise an elastomer.

5. The O-ring membrane valve of claim 4 wherein said O-ring has a circular cross-sectional geometry.

6. The O-ring membrane valve of claim 5 wherein said O-ring has a circular ring geometry.

7. The O-ring membrane valve of claim 1, wherein the O-ring is arranged to be assembled in a body of a fluid connector.

8. The O-ring membrane valve of claim 7 wherein the slit is in a sealed condition when the first surface is exposed to a force generated by fluid pressure.

9. The O-ring membrane valve of claim 8 wherein the membrane is elastically deformed and the slit is in an unsealed state when the tube is inserted into the body of the fluid connector and engaged with the second surface.

10. A fluid connector comprising:

a body, the body comprising:

a first through hole; and

a first groove circumferentially disposed within the first through-hole; and

an O-ring membrane valve disposed within the first groove, the O-ring membrane valve comprising:

an O-ring; and

a resealable membrane connected to the O-ring, the resealable membrane having a slit.

11. The fluid connector of claim 10, wherein the resealable membrane is tapered and includes an apex on which the slit is at least partially disposed.

12. The fluid connector of claim 10, wherein the O-ring has a circular cross-sectional geometry.

13. The fluid connector of claim 10, wherein the O-ring has a circular ring geometry.

14. The fluid connector of claim 10, wherein the body further comprises:

a radially outward surface having a second groove; and

a snap ring disposed within the second groove.

15. The fluid connector of claim 10, wherein the body is arranged to be connected to a component to be filled with fluid and the O-ring membrane valve is arranged to seal fluid within the component.

16. The fluid connector of claim 15, wherein:

in the sealed state, the fluid exerts a force on the membrane such that the slit is closed; and the number of the first and second electrodes,

in the unsealed state, a tube is inserted into the body to deform the membrane so that the slit opens and fluid can flow into or out of the component.

17. The fluid connector of claim 16, wherein the tube is a tube end form comprising:

a second through hole;

a radially outward surface arranged to displace the membrane and open the slit; and

arranged to lock to a shoulder in the body.

18. The fluid connector of claim 17, wherein when the tube end formation is fully engaged in the body:

the radially outward surface compresses the O-ring within the first groove;

the slit is fully open and concentrically disposed about the radially outward surface;

the shoulder is locked into the body; and is

The fluid connector is in an unsealed state.

19. The fluid connector of claim 16, wherein the tube is a probe comprising:

a second through hole; and

arranged to displace the membrane and open the radially outward surface of the slit.

20. A sealing membrane valve comprising:

a seal member; and

a resealable membrane connected to the seal, the resealable membrane comprising:

a first surface;

a second surface; and

a slit extending from the first surface to the second surface.